Once Upon a Time Original Graphic Novel Coming From Marvel

Earlier today, Marvel Entertainment and Disney-ABC Television announced Once Upon a Time: Shadow of the Queen, an original graphic novel hardcover (and the first officially-sanctioned comic tie-in) due in September and inspired by the popular TV series. Plotted by series writer & co-producer Dan Thomsen and co-written by Corinna Bechko, the book fits into the official continuity of Once Upon a Timeand features the art of Nimit Malavia, Vasilis Lolos, Mike Del Mundo, Stephanie Hans and Mike Henderson.

In Once Upon a Time: Shadow of the Queen, the Evil Queen has, quite literally, captured the Huntsman’s heart. With the Huntsman a slave, experience the never-before-told tale behind their twisted relationship—and what happens when a good man is forced to do bad. And when Regina cooks up a plan to capture Snow White, the Huntsman comes face-to-face with his past -- including an independent spirit in Red Riding Hood that just may match his own. Can these two break free of the forces that bind them and save Snow White?

“Once Upon a Timefans are in for a treat with this incredible story that reveals some shocking secrets about Regina and the Huntsman”, said David Gabriel, SVP Sales, Print and Digital Media. “It’s been a pleasure to work with ABC to create a line of high quality original graphic novels that bring new fans into comic stores and also allow us to introduce great franchises like Once Upon a Timeto our die-hard fans.”

“Shadow of the Queen will bring fans a whole new thread of the intriguing backstory between Regina and the Huntsman – in a uniquely Marvel way”, said Adam Sanderson, SVP Franchise Management for the Disney-ABC Television Group. “We hope this brand extension will further deepen the engagement our viewers have with one of ABC’s signature series.”

Expect some commentary from fans who have long accused Once Upon a Time of treading on the toes of Bill Willingham's beloved Vertigo series Fables; they've more or less let that go after a couple of successful seasons, but it's hard to imagine that seeing the two books next to each other in the comic book shop won't raise some eyebrows.